Current Internship Opportunities

I have two unpaid opportunities for students who can combine knowledge about plants with astute social observation. In many regards these opportunities are akin to what human geographers would consider.

Students would be able to attend the Indigenous Plant Use Forum (IPUF) in St. Lucia, South Africa. This years IPUF conference is held from 4-7 July 2011 in St Lucia, KZN on "Biodiversity innovation and opportunities: past knowledge, present activities and future products". (See below).

Duties: Desktop research on rose geranium followed by test plots in different areas and conditions to identify the "best/ideal" social and/or physical climate. Botanical research includes pests and disease controls under organic conditions, suggesting suitable solutions appropriate for the local context. Supervisor: Steven Jacobson, Project Manager, South Africa Essential Oils Project.

Position: Gabane, Botswana, Wild Foods of Africa

Survey marula trees whose fruit is used in food production as the first step of establishing organic certification. One important aspect will be to identify the male/female ratios by doing some ground surveys and analysis using aerial photographs. In addition the intern may participate in field collections of the different varieties of indigenous melons throughout the country if funding can be established. Will be undertaken in collaboration with the Dept. of Environmental Science, University of Botswana. Supervisor: Frank Taylor, Director, Wild Foods of Africa

Intern Research and Duties:

By focusing on a critical botanical—either wild marula trees or rose geranium cultivated by new, small, indigenous farmers—the intern will attempt to identify the ideal eco-social sustainability for both the plants and the humans in their current commercialized setting. The intern will use research on plants as a vehicle to understand the intersection of the social and physical setting, mapping out the conditions for each, in order to systematically establish the implications of various configurations. That is, by undertaking research on the marula trees or rose geranium field plots, the intern will also systematically observe and note the conditions of the wild harvesters or farmers in their physical and social setting. For the social research, conversational interviews and participant observation methodology will be used, along with analysis of any relevant documents. See below for botanical research duties. The research will first establish the main patterns of physical and social conditions, determine the most common configurations of the two, and then analyze various conditions and combinations for the consequences of each primary configuration. The ultimate aim is to identify the ideal configuration for optimal eco-social sustainability.

Contact Georgia Duerst-Lahti as soon as possible with an expression of interest. Several funding deadlines occur immediately upon return from break. gduerstlahti@gmail.com

This year’s IPUF conference is held from 4-7 July 2011 in St Lucia, KZN on "Biodiversity innovation and opportunities: past knowledge, present activities and future products".

Venue: Auditorium of Ezemvhelo - KZN Wildlife, St Lucia

Conference : some new interesting speakers with fascinating topics! Participate with talks or just attend and absorb!

Accommodation: 035 5901001 / info@elephantlake.co.za - mention: IPUF2011 Conference and get the best deals in town!

Excursion: Midweek excursion to a cultural village with active demonstrations, some surprise indigenous plant uses with a traditional lunch. Other attractions are fishing, estuary viewing with boat cruise, with lots of eateries, crafts and lovely walks. Stay an extra day to visit Cape Vidal and surroundings!

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin Internship Program

Work with Congresswoman Baldwin and her staff at the Beloit District Office to assist constituents in the Beloit area. For more information, please see this flyer.

Come to an informational meeting with organizers of the Beloit International Film Festival and previous interns and learn about the internship opportunities the festival offers. BIFF is seeking students interested in video production and staffing the festival.